St Peter’s Basilica

Visit one of the world's largest churches

Word to the wise: Entrance to the church is free, but visitors must be suitably dressed; no bare knees, bare shoulders or baseball caps.
In a city of beautiful churches, chapels and other religious buildings, St Peter's Basilica outshines them all, a work of engineering and artistic beauty and a cultural and spiritual treasure. It is believed that the basilica is located on the spot where the first pope, the apostle St Peter was executed (he was crucified upside down as he believed he was unworthy to die in the same way as Jesus). It's also the location of his tomb and many other popes are buried here as well.

Over the years, many architects and artists participated in its construction, among them Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno who built the enormous facade. From the central balcony, called the 'Loggia of the Blessings' new popes are announced to the world.